Suicide Prevention

If you or someone you care about are struggling with thoughts of suicide,
call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline @ 988.

The suicide rate for Black young adults, ages 15 to 24 has increased to 35% and is now the second leading cause of death for this age group. We know the pressure on this group is particularly high, especially to perform well in school or at work. Resilience and strength are often pushed on young Black people as mechanisms for success, but these expectations can also cause internalized stigma, guilt, and shame. Because of this, young people do not access care when they need it most and suffer in silence.

To prevent suicide in this age group, it is important to understand the factors that may contribute to or protect a young person from suicide.

Suicide was the second leading cause of death among Black people ages 15 to 24 in 2019. And according to a report released in December 2019 by the Congressional Black Caucus’s Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, suicide is also the second leading cause of death for Black youths ages 10 to 19.

“I AM SOMEBODY”

I Am Somebody is an educational short film that expounds on the stigma of mental health conditions and suicide ideation within the African American community. Scenes are intercut with interviews by a mental health professional, and key information for suicide prevention. The film tells the story of Jaquez aka Quez. On the day after his birthday, Quez surprises his unexpecting family and friends with the failed but all too serious attempt at fulfilling his suicide plan.

  • Media exposure, especially to racial violence 
  • Social media pressure
  • Racism and discrimination
  • Exposure to violence
  • Stigma
  • Underrepresentation and lack of access to culturally competent mental health care and support
  • Financial stress
  • Academic problems
  • Substance or alcohol use
  • Self-acceptance 
  • Social support and belongingness 
  • Spirituality
  • Access to culturally competent mental health care providers
  • Career development
  • Increased problem solving skills
  • Coping skills and ability to adapt to change

Strong positive ethnic identity

Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help 

Strong positive ethnic identity

Strong positive ethnic identity

Strong positive ethnic identity

Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help 

Support from family members and the community,

Support from family members and the community,

Community engagement

Community engagement

Reducing the stigma

Reducing the stigma

Spirituality

Spirituality

Access to culturally appropriate care

Access to culturally appropriate care

Strong positive ethnic identity

Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help 

Self-care/Self-Love

Self-Care/Self-Love

Strong positive ethnic identity

Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help 

Talking about mental health

Talking about mental health

HOW IT WORKS.

Factors as to why suicide is on the rise for young adults

The pressure to conform to an ideal or create an image. This can negatively affect a child’s self-worth, identity and sense of belonging.
The mental health stigma around seeking help
Cyber bullying
Racism and discrimination
Abuse